The world's biggest cherry grower and third-largest cherry exporter is gaining ground in new markets with the help of more favorable air freight arrangements.

Daily Sabah reported an agreement between fresh produce shippers and Turkish Airlines' (THY) subsidiary Turkish Cargo has provided discounts depending on the destination, making new markets much more accessible for Turkey's cherry industry.

The story reported the new deal meant 400 metric tons (MT) of Turkish cherries have been exported to 47 countries by plane this year, worth around US$1.5 million.

The Daily Sabah reported this is out of US$155 million since the 2017 campaign started in April, with Germany, Russia and the Netherlands as the leading markets while substantial increases were seen in shipments to Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia and Bahrain.

The story also cited comments from Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters' Association chairman Rıza Seyyar, originally reported by Anadolu Agency.

"This was our goal to begin with; we are on the right track. We want to double exports with air cargo every year," Seyyar was quoted as saying.

The representative told the publication the new set-up meant it didn't take as long for fruit to get to markets like Hong Kong from Istanbul, meaning exporters could now sell their produce in remote areas at good prices.

"Our position has increased in many markets exporters could not enter due to freight costs in the past. We sent test products to some markets this year. This is going to get even bigger next year," he told the publication.

"We try to get Turkish cherries on the shelves in all metropolises of the world. These goals are not that far off. I do not think that this is a dream for our exporters or economy."

He added initial exports to the recently opened mainland Chinese market were six MT, but this was expected to rise in accordance with Chinese consumer satisfaction, the story reported. 

www.freshfruitportal.com